State of Oregon: Facilities - About the Council

Oregon's Energy Facility Siting Council is made up of seven volunteer members who are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate.

The Energy Facility Siting Council is responsible for overseeing the development of large electric generating facilities, high voltage transmission lines, gas pipelines, radioactive waste disposal sites, and other projects. State-level oversight of energy facilities helps ensure that Oregon has an adequate energy supply while protecting Oregon’s environment and public safety.

A proposed energy facility must undergo a thorough review and meet the council's siting standards to receive a site certificate. Standards cover issues such as land use, environmental impacts, noise concerns, and cultural and archeological artifacts. If the council approves a site certificate, the developer is authorized to construct and operate the facility. After issuing a site certificate, the council has ongoing regulatory authority over the construction and operation of the facility.

The council also regulates the transportation of radioactive materials through Oregon, the disposal of radioactive materials within the state's borders, and the decommissioning of the Trojan Nuclear Power Plant.

Who serves on the Council?

The council has seven members who are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Oregon Senate. Members are selected to understand, evaluate, and deliberate complex issues associated with proposed facilities and how those facilities affect people, habitat, and communities. Appointees are also selected to ensure broad geographic representation. Council meetings are open to the public, and public involvement is built into the council’s review. The volunteer council members receive reimbursements for travel and meal expenses when they are performing council business.

Oregon Department of Energy employees serve as staff members for the council, handling the ongoing work related to the regulation of energy facilities. Staff are energy experts who research issues involved with locating, building and operating large energy facilities. They make recommendations to the council based on their research and analysis.

Council History

Oregon's energy facility siting law originated with formation of the Nuclear and Thermal Energy Council in 1971. The role of NTEC was to regulate the siting of nuclear and coal-fired generating plants that had an electric generating capacity of at least 200 megawatts.

In 1975, Oregon revised its energy facility siting laws. The revisions created the Energy Facility Siting Council, replacing NTEC. The 1975 legislation also created the Oregon Department of Energy, which was formed to promote energy conservation and development of renewable energy sources, and to provide staff support for the council.

Resources

EFSC Meetings

Facilities Under EFSC

Siting Project Updates

Public Guide

Siting Process

Siting Rules & Statutes

Siting Standards

Podcast: Energy Facility Siting